Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Japanese Akitainu

Working Group

Loyal, noble and strong

Japanese Akitainu

No products found which match your selection.

Breed Overview

The Japanese Akita Inu is a loyal, courageous, and dignified breed, marked by its thick coat, strong guarding instincts, and reserved demeanor. Requires regular grooming and exercise to maintain its physical and mental well-being.

Physical Characteristics
  • Size Large
  • Height Males 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
  • Weight Males 100-130 lbs (45-59 kg), Females 70-100 lbs (32-45 kg)
  • Life Span 10-15 years
  • Coat Thick, double coat with a plush texture
  • Color Red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and white
  • Grooming Regular brushing, more frequent during shedding seasons
  • Temperament Loyal, courageous, and dignified
  • Energy Level Moderate
  • Intelligence High
Health Needs
  • Exercise Daily walks and playtime
  • Trainability Independent but can be trained with patience and consistency
  • Socialization Natural guardian instincts; can be aloof with strangers
  • Grooming Regular brushing, more frequent during shedding seasons
  • Health Issues Prone to hip dysplasia, autoimmune diseases, and certain skin conditions
Environment
  • Suitability for Families Best for experienced families, the Japanese Akita Inu shows loyalty, protective nature, and requires socialization for harmonious household integration.
  • Suitable Living Space Best for homes with space, adapts well to family life with proper training.

About the Breed

The Akita Inu is known for its unwavering loyalty and as a dignified and respectful companion. They are a symbol of good health, happiness, and long life in Japanese culture.

History of the Breed

Originating from the northern region of Japan, the Akita Inu has a storied history as a versatile hunting dog, known for its bravery and strength. The breed has been esteemed throughout history, once only owned by the Japanese nobility.

Japan

Fun Facts About the Norwegian Elkhound

What To Expect When Caring For a Japanese Akitainu

Health

Prone to hip dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, and certain skin conditions. Regular health screenings and check-ups are essential.

Grooming

Their thick, double coat requires regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons. Bathing should be done occasionally, as overbathing can strip natural oils.

Exercise

Needs daily exercise to maintain health and happiness, such as walks and playtime in a securely fenced area. Exercise should be moderate, especially in hot weather due to their thick coat.

Training

Intelligent but often independent; responds best to firm, consistent training. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for a well-adjusted temperament.

Nutrition

Requires a well-balanced diet formulated for large breeds with moderate energy levels. Portion control and regular feeding schedules are essential to prevent obesity.

Caring for a Japanese Akita Inu involves understanding their unique needs and characteristics. They thrive in environments where they receive firm, consistent training, regular exercise, and the companionship of their family. With the proper care, including regular veterinary visits, appropriate nutrition, and sufficient exercise, the Akita Inu can be a loyal and majestic companion.

Japanese Akitainu Common Health Issues and Recommended Tests

The Japanese Akita Inu, known for its dignified presence and loyalty, is generally a robust and hardy breed. However, like all breeds, they are predisposed to specific health conditions. Awareness of these issues and conducting recommended tests can aid in maintaining their health and well-being.

Description: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis.

Description: A common endocrine disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

Description: Sebaceous adenitis, is a condition affecting the skin's sebaceous glands.

Description: A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Description: A blood clotting disorder.

Hip Dysplasia

Description: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Description: A common endocrine disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

Skin Conditions

Description: Sebaceous adenitis, is a condition affecting the skin's sebaceous glands.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Description: A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Von Willebrand's Disease

Description: A blood clotting disorder.

Understanding these common health issues and adhering to the recommended tests and preventive care guidelines can help ensure a long, healthy life for a Japanese Akita Inu. Collaboration with a veterinarian is critical to developing a health care plan tailored to your dog's needs.

Prescription Medication Assistance for Japanese Akitainus

The iHeartDogs Free Rx Discount Card Program is a pet prescription discount card that can help you save money on your furry friend’s medications. The card is free to sign up for, and you can use it at participating pharmacies nationwide. To use the free program, simply show the card to your pharmacist when you pick up your pet’s prescription. The pharmacist will then scan the card, and you will receive a discount on the price of the medication.LEARN MORE

How Much Does It Cost To Care For A Japanese Akitainu?

Caring for a Japanese Akita Inu involves various expenses, depending on location, the dog’s age, health, and personal care choices. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

A purebred Japanese Akitainu puppy from a reputable breeder can be quite expensive. Always consider adopting from a shelter or rescue.

Initial Cost

$800 - 2000

Potential Additional Costs:

When searching for a reputable breeder, seek online reviews, and advice from vets, groomers, and fellow Japanese Akitainu enthusiasts.

Initial supplies like a crate, bed, bowls, collar, and leash can really add up.

Initial Cost

$200 - 500

Potential Additional Costs:

You may already have many of these items at home. Costs will vary depending on your purchase choices.

High-quality dog food is suitable for a large breed with a moderate to high energy level.

Estimated Cost

$600 - 1200

Potential Additional Costs:

Learn more about the best quality dog food for Japanese Akitainus.

Japanese Akita Inus require regular grooming due to their thick coat.

Estimated Cost

$200 - 600

Potential Additional Costs:

If you choose to perform simple grooming tasks at home you will need to invest in high-quality grooming supplies, such as dog-safe shampoos, nail trimmers, and haircutting shears.

Japanese Akitainus require routine vet visits for check-ups, vaccinations, and flea and tick prevention.

Estimate Cost

$500 - 1000

Potential Additional Costs:

The cost of veterinary care can vary widely depending on your geographic location and many other factors. This estimate only represents the cost of wellness care, and does not include any potential illnesses or injuries that may arise.

Pet insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring that you can afford necessary veterinary care in the event of an emergency.

Estimated Cost

$400 - 1000

Potential Additional Costs:

Insurance premiums vary depending on the coverage you choose as well as your Japanese Akitainu's age and health. Get a FREE, no-strings quote from the top pet insurers!

Your Japanese Akitainu will need toys, chews, wellness supplements, car safety equipment, and other supplies throughout their life.

Estimated Cost

$50 - 300

Potential Additional Costs:

Additional supplies can add up depending on the level of care you provide your pup.

Professional training is extremely important, but can add several hundred dollars to the cost of your dog's care.

Estimated Cost

$500 - 1000

Potential Additional Costs:

Online Courses are available and can help you save money.

Setting aside funds for unexpected health issues is always a good idea.

Estimated Cost

Varies based on need

Potential Additional Costs:

Can easily reach into the thousands with surgical costs, IVs, medications and after hours treatment.

If you travel or work long hours, you may need boarding or pet sitting services.

Estimated Cost

Varies based on need

Potential Additional Costs:

Overnight-boarding, day-boarding, and pet-sitting costs vary depending on the area you live, length of stay/frequency of services, and the amenities offered by the boarding facility or pet sitter.

A one-time fee for microchipping and annual local licensing fees.

Estimated Cost

$35 - 70

Total Estimated Annual Cost:

$3285 - $7670

It's important to note that these figures are estimates and can vary. Also, the first year of owning a dog can be more expensive due to one-time costs like spaying/neutering, initial vaccinations, and training. Regular budgeting for your dog's needs and an emergency fund for unforeseen costs are essential for responsible pet ownership.

Do you want a healthier & happier dog?

Join our email list & we'll donate 1 meal to a shelter dog in need!